International Centre for the Picture Book in Society

The International Centre for the Picture Book in Society aims:

To provide an international focus in the UK for the making and study of the picture book, defined in their broadest sense (children's books, comics, hand-made books, 'zines, educational books, e-books and graphic novels)

To promote a multi-cultural approach to engaging 'society' in its broadest terms with picture books, embracing minorities and socially disenfranchised people

To nurture new UK awareness of non-Anglophone picture book making, establishing a platform for showcasing picture books published across the globe.

Already in progress:

An international research collection of innovative, peer acclaimed, published contemporary picture books from across the globe, to be housed at The Hive (Worcester’s award-winning new university and city library).

Public programmes of talks and events involving picture book makers (illustrators, writes and publishers) from Europe and other regions of the world.

Liaison and collaboration with others - international organisations, publishers and research groups - on creation and promotion of, and research into, picture books.

Exhibitions of international picture book illustration collections and competition winners at The Hive (e.g. the first International Lemniscaat Picture Book Illustration Competition in October 2014)

Invitations to authors, illustrators and bibliophiles to become ‘Friends of the International Centre for the Picture Book in Society’

Future projects:

Illustration at the University of Worcester is launching the Centre’s work in phases. Next will be:

A programme of international illustrators and picture book makers in residence

Workshops and spaces for children and young people to create and make their own picture books.

Pan European and international inter-institutional projects and research collaborations associated with picture books and their applications.

Support for young, aspiring illustrators' early career development.

Support for existing bodies and organisation involved in the promotion of picture books, illustration, reading and the democratisation of picture book-creation.